Lei of Aloha for World Peace delegate Robert DeVinck said it took 300 volunteers three days to weave together 14 truckloads of ti leaves.

"These tragic situations, people need hugs around the world and a reminder that after seeing the face of evil, seeing hatred in such fashion, they need to be reminded that the majority of the world wants to do something to comfort them, to bring love and peace to them.

"Most people understand a lei is usually a ring of flowers, usually very fragrant flowers like tuber roses that you give to someone as a greeting, as a sign of love," he said.

After being presented, the lei was held above waist height in the hands of the Muslim community, including Muslim Association of Canterbury president Shagaf Khan, Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel, representatives from Ngai Tahu, emergency services, as well as members of the public there to watch.

"During the time they're weaving this, they're giving their mana, their spirit and their love into this lei," Mr DeVinck said.

"So as I was holding it just now I was thinking of all the volunteers that have brought their mana, their love and their compassion in that lei from the island where I live.